| Why The History Of BMW Motorcycles Means | | | | development of the "slash five" series. The R50/5, |
| Adventure For You | | | | R60/5 and R75/5 all have the same stroke engines |
| If you love the BMW brand like I do, your enjoyment | | | | only with different displacements. In addition, all these |
| of the company isn't complete without a brief history | | | | models had point ignitions. In 1979 these models were |
| of their motorcycles. Over the years I have found | | | | laid to rest and discontinued. |
| that only a handful of people are even aware that | | | | A new age begins for the BMW Motorcycle in 1980. |
| BMW made motorcycles. Being so totally captivated | | | | If you listen closely to the sounds of history, you |
| by the current BMW car models, motorcycles by | | | | might hear cheering fans as they applauded the |
| BMW have sort of become the "redheaded stepchild" | | | | latest improvements such as, updated suspensions, |
| of the business. | | | | strengthened frames and electronic ignition replaced |
| But, I plan to change that image right now. | | | | the points. High performance Brembo brakes and |
| Between 1920 and 1922 the Bavarian Motor Work | | | | elimination of the heavy flywheel in favor of a |
| made their first two-stroke three port motorcycle | | | | stamped steel clutch carrier, were major advances at |
| engine. At only 148 cc, this engine was affectionately | | | | this time |
| called the Flink. With the engine mounted just in front | | | | . |
| of the foot pedals, this first model looked more like | | | | Why were these changes made to BMW |
| just a bicycle. | | | | motorcycles? |
| BMW had to start somewhere with its design and | | | | It all comes down to money. If BMW wanted to |
| this was as good a place as any. | | | | continue in the motorcycle business it was mandatory |
| In the beginning, the Chief Design Engineer for BMW | | | | that they make changes in order to be more |
| was Max Friz. Known for being demanding and not | | | | competitive with the Japanese and European bikes. In |
| being satisfied with things as they are, Max | | | | fact, the 1981 model was so much better than |
| introduced the new model BMW R32 at the Paris | | | | previous versions that the market for used BMW |
| Motor Show in 1932. This model became famous for | | | | motorcycle was totally destroyed. |
| their blue and white paint. | | | | The fact is, everything BMW is about excitement and |
| Such developments as the pressed steel frame, | | | | adventure. |
| telescopic fork, tubular frame and telescopic rear | | | | You can prove this for yourself just by this little |
| suspension all were important advances from 1935 to | | | | study of BMW history. The GS series motorcycle |
| 1939. Can you imagine how different the ride must | | | | was introduced in 1981 and instantly labeled the |
| have felt back in the "old days" without modern tires | | | | "Adventure Touring Bike" . The whole concept of the |
| and suspensions? Ouch. | | | | "Adventure Tour Market" started with the BMW |
| 1955 was really the next milestone for the BMW | | | | R80G/S. And what an adventure it has been ever |
| Motorcycle. Production models for the RS racing bike | | | | since. |
| with the all pivot frame was introduced. | | | | From 1985 to the present, much advancement has |
| Do you know what the "slash five" was in BMW | | | | been made. Unfortunately, that story will have to |
| history? | | | | wait and be the subject of one of my future articles. |
| Probably one of the most important upgrades to | | | | So for now my friend, are you up for the adventure |
| BMW motorcycles took place in 1970 with the | | | | of a BMW motorcycle? |